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Abstract:

A preformed decorative wrapper for covering a flower pot has an open
upper end, an open lower end, and a sidewall extending therebetween. At
least a portion of the preformed decorative wrapper extends beyond an
upper end of the pot and at least a portion of a lower end of the flower
pot extends through the open lower end of the preformed decorative
wrapper.

Claims:

1. A decorative plant package, comprising: a pot having an upper end, a
bottom, an outer peripheral surface and an interior space, the pot having
a floral grouping disposed therein; a preformed decorative wrapper
disposed about the outer peripheral surface of the pot, the preformed
decorative wrapper comprising a tubular body having an open upper end
having an upper edge, an open lower end having a lower edge, an outer
surface, an inner surface, an interior space and having a tapered
portion, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the preformed
decorative wrapper surrounds and engages a portion of the outer
peripheral surface of the upper end of the pot and wherein at least a
portion of the preformed decorative wrapper extends beyond the upper end
of the pot and at least a portion of the bottom of the pot extends
through the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper; and a
preformed decorative cover disposed about a portion of the preformed
decorative wrapper surrounding the pot, the preformed decorative cover
securing the preformed decorative wrapper in a position about the pot,
wherein the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper is
disposed adjacent an upper one-half of the pot.

4. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the preformed
decorative cover is an overpot.

5. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the preformed
decorative wrapper is constructed of a material selected from the group
consisting of paper, cellophane, foil, polymer film, woven fabric,
unwoven fabric, synthetic fabric, natural fabric, a material having an
appearance or texture simulating the appearance or texture of cloth, a
material having an appearance or texture simulating the appearance of
paper, a matted material, and combinations thereof.

6. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the open lower end of
the preformed decorative wrapper is disposed adjacent an upper one-third
of the pot.

7. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the open lower end of
the preformed decorative wrapper is disposed adjacent an upper one-fourth
of the pot.

8. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein a design or
decorative pattern is provided on at least a portion of the outer
peripheral surface of the preformed decorative wrapper by a method
selected from the group of printing, embossing, texturing, coloring,
coating, and combinations thereof.

9. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the upper end of the
preformed decorative wrapper comprises a plurality of extending portions.

10. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the lower end of the
preformed decorative wrapper is contoured.

11. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the lower end of the
preformed decorative wrapper is linear.

12. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the upper end of the
preformed decorative wrapper is linear.

13. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the upper end of the
preformed decorative wrapper is non-linear.

14. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the preformed
decorative wrapper has a tubular, conical, or frustoconical shape.

15. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein the preformed
decorative wrapper has an extension attached to at least a portion of the
inner surface thereof.

16. The decorative plant package of claim 15, wherein an upper end of the
extension is substantially adjacent the upper end of the preformed
decorative wrapper.

17. The decorative plant package of claim 1, wherein a portion of the
open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper is secured to the
upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the pot, and wherein the
open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper is disposed adjacent
an upper one-half of the pot.

18. The decorative plant package of claim 17, wherein at least a portion
of at least one of the preformed decorative wrapper and the pot is
provided with a bonding material disposed thereon for securing a portion
of the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper to the upper
end of the outer peripheral surface of the pot.

Description:

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/782,780,
filed May 19, 2010; which is a divisional of U.S. Ser. No. 12/215,797,
filed Jun. 30, 2008, now abandoned; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser.
No. 11/439,772, filed May 24, 2006, now abandoned; which claims benefit
under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of provisional application U.S. Ser. No.
60/684,023, filed May 24, 2005. The entire contents of each of the
above-referenced patents and patent applications are hereby expressly
incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE PRESENTLY DISCLOSED AND CLAIMED INVENTIVE CONCEPT(S)

[0002] The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates to
floral packaging, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to
wrappers for covering flower pots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s).

[0004] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wrapper of FIG. 1 secured to a
flower pot with a flexible sleeve.

[0005] FIG. 3 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s)
and having an angularly patterned upper end.

[0006] FIG. 4 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s)
and having a plurality of extending portions connected to an upper edge
thereof and having inwardly curved lower edge.

[0007] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s),
the wrapper having tapered sides, a non-linear upper edge and an inwardly
curved lower edge.

[0008] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s),
the wrapper having a non-linear upper edge and an inwardly curved lower
edge.

[0009]FIG. 7 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s),
the wrapper having a linear upper edge an inwardly curved lower edge.

[0010]FIG. 8 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s),
the wrapper having a linear upper edge having centrally disposed slits
along the upper edge and further having an inwardly curved lower edge.

[0011]FIG. 9 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s),
the wrapper having a linear upper edge having centrally disposed slits
positioned on opposite ends.

[0012] FIG. 10 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s)
and having a pointed upper edge.

[0013] FIG. 11 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s),
the wrapper having sides that angle outwardly from a lower end.

[0014] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s),
the wrapper having a decorative extension attached thereto.

[0015] FIG. 13 is an elevational view of another wrapper constructed in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s)
and having a scalloped upper edge.

[0016] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a wrapper secured to a flower pot
with a decorative cover or second pot and a bonding material.

[0017] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a wrapper secured to a flower pot
with a band.

[0018] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a wrapper secured to a flower pot
with a decorative cover or a second pot.

[0019] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a wrapper secured to a flower pot
with a wrapping material.

[0020] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a wrapper having a decorative
printed pattern disposed thereon, the wrapper secured to a flower pot
with a decorative cover or second pot.

[0021] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a wrapper having a scalloped upper
edge, the wrapper secured to a flower pot with a decorative cover or a
second pot.

[0022] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a wrapper having a detachable
upper portion and disposed about a flower pot having a floral grouping
disposed therein, the wrapper secured about the flower pot with a
decorative cover or a second pot.

[0023] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a wrapper having a detachable
upper portion and disposed about a flower pot having a floral grouping
disposed therein, the wrapper secured about the flower pot with a
decorative cover or a second pot.

[0024] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the wrapper of FIG. 21 with the
upper portion of the wrapper removed.

[0025] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a wrapper having a non-tubular,
non-conical shape, the wrapper secured about a flower pot with a
decorative cover or a second pot.

[0026]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a wrapper having an angularly
patterned upper end, the wrapper secured to a flower pot with a band.

[0027] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a wrapper having an angularly
patterned upper end, the wrapper secured to a flower pot with a
decorative cover or a second pot.

[0028] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a wrapper having an angularly
patterned upper end, the wrapper secured to a flower pot with a flexible
sleeve.

[0029]FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a wrapper having an extension, the
wrapper secured to a flower pot with a band.

[0030]FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a wrapper having an extension, the
wrapper secured to a flower pot containing a floral grouping with a
decorative cover or a second pot.

[0031] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a wrapper having an extension, the
wrapper secured to a flower pot containing a floral grouping with a
flexible sleeve.

[0032] FIG. 30 contains perspective views of a method of wrapping a flower
pot with a wrapper, wherein the wrapper is removed from a plurality of
wrappers formed in a pad and then disposed and secured about a flower
pot.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENTLY DISCLOSED AND CLAIMED INVENTIVE CONCEPT(S)

[0033] The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is related
to a decorative plant package and methods of assembly thereof. Broadly,
the decorative plant package includes a flower pot or other pot or
container having an upper end, a lower end, an outer peripheral surface,
and an interior space. The pot may have a botanical item or floral
grouping disposed therein. The decorative plant package further comprises
a preformed decorative wrapper having an open upper end, an open lower
end, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The preformed decorative
wrapper has flattened and open conditions and is provided with an inner
surface surrounding an inner retaining space when disposed in the open
condition. The package is constructed by placing the preformed decorative
wrapper about the outer peripheral surface of the pot so that at least a
portion of the inner surface of the preformed decorative wrapper
surrounds and engages a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the
pot. At least a portion of the preformed decorative wrapper extends
beyond the upper end of the pot and at least a portion of the lower end
of the pot extends through the open lower end of the preformed decorative
wrapper.

[0034] In one embodiment, the open lower end of the preformed decorative
wrapper is disposed adjacent an upper one-half of the pot. In another
embodiment, the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper is
disposed adjacent an upper one-third of the pot. In yet another
embodiment, the open lower end of the preformed decorative wrapper is
disposed adjacent an upper one-fourth of the pot.

[0035] In one embodiment, a preformed flexible sleeve having a flattened
condition is provided, and the opened flexible sleeve is disposed over at
least a portion of the pot and over at least a portion of the preformed
decorative wrapper surrounding the pot. The flexible sleeve secures the
preformed decorative wrapper about the pot.

[0036] In another embodiment of the presently disclosed and claimed
inventive concept(s), a securing element serves to hold the preformed
decorative wrapper in a position about the pot. The securing element may
be disposed upon a portion of at least one of the open upper and lower
ends of the preformed decorative wrapper.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, a preformed decorative cover, such as
but not limited to, an overpot, may be used for securing a portion of the
preformed decorative wrapper surrounding the pot once the preformed
decorative wrapper has been disposed about the pot.

[0038] Alternatively, the preformed decorative wrapper may be disposed
into the interior space of the pot, and a portion of the open lower end
of the preformed decorative wrapper is secured to the upper end of the
inner surface of the pot.

[0039] Other objects, features and advantages of the presently disclosed
and claimed inventive concept(s) will become apparent from the following
detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings and appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY DISCLOSED AND CLAIMED INVENTIVE
CONCEPT(S)

[0040] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) in detail by way of exemplary
drawings and description, it is to be understood that the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the
drawings and description. The presently disclosed and claimed inventive
concept(s) is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or
carried out in various ways. As such, the language used herein is
intended to be given the broadest possible scope and meaning; and the
embodiments are meant to be exemplary--not exhaustive. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for
the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0041] The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is a
decorative plant package for decorating and covering flower pots, flower
pots having floral groupings (plants) therein, floral vases or bowls,
floral groupings comprising cut flowers, floral groupings disposed in a
"non-pot" floral holding material such as a form or fiber block, as well
as a decorative package for non-pot or non-plant items such as gifts,
gift baskets or boxes, Easter baskets, food baskets or boxes such as
fruit or candy baskets or boxes, and other boxed or unboxed items. The
decorative plant package contemplated herein comprises a preformed
decorative wrapper that may be placed on the inside or outside of such
container and secured thereto. The preformed decorative wrapper may be
secured about the container via a securing element, or by a preformed
flexible sleeve or preformed decorative cover disposed about the
preformed decorative wrapper disposed about the container.

[0042] The terms "flower pot" and "pot", as used herein, refer to
containers used for holding floral groupings or potted plants. Examples
of such flower pots are clay pots, plastic pots and the like. The flower
pot defines a receiving space adapted to receive floral groupings and
potted plants. The floral grouping may be disposed within the receiving
space of the flower pot along with a suitable growing medium, a floral
foam or combinations thereof. It will also be understood that in some
cases the floral grouping, and any appropriate growing medium or other
retaining medium, may be disposed in a flower pot cover or sleeve without
the flower pot if the flower pot cover is adapted to contain the growing
medium.

[0043] The term "floral grouping" as used herein refers to cut fresh
flowers, artificial flowers, a single flower, other fresh and/or
artificial plants or other floral materials and may include other
secondary plants and/or ornamentation or artificial or natural materials
which add to the aesthetics of the overall floral arrangement. The floral
grouping may comprise a bloom or foliage portion and a stem portion.
However, it will be appreciated that the floral grouping may consist of
only a single bloom or only foliage. The term "floral grouping" may be
used interchangeably herein with the term "floral arrangement".

[0044] The term "preformed" as used herein, refers to an object that has
been formed into the condition in which it is used prior to its use. This
is in contrast to a sheet of material, which does not have a formed shape
in absence of an object. A sheet of material requires that it be formed
about an object, whereas a preformed cover or sleeve is provided with
seals, folds or the like which provide the cover or sleeve with its
preformed shape; optionally, the preformed cover or sleeve may be formed
of a material which has shape-sustaining characteristics that maintain
the cover or sleeve in its preformed shape in the absence of an object
disposed therein.

[0045] The terms "polymer film" and "polymeric film", as used herein,
refer to polymers of natural or artificial origin, such as a man-made
polymer such as a polypropylene or a naturally occurring polymer such as
cellophane. A polymer film is relatively strong and will not tear as
easily as paper or foil.

[0046] The terms "spot" and "spots" as used herein refer to any geometric
shape of spot including, but not limited to, what is commonly referred to
as strips.

[0047] "Securing element" as used herein refers to any type of material or
thing which can be used to effect the bonding or connecting of two
adjacent portions of material or sheets of material to effect the
connection or bonding described herein. "Securing element" may refer to
adhesives and cohesives; ties; labels; elastic bands; non-elastic bands;
ribbons; strings; tapes; staples; a piece of wire, tie wrap or twist
ties; heat sealable, sonic sealable and vibratory sealable materials;
shrinkable materials; barbs, slots, holes, cuts, or other barb-type
fastening means or clamps; and combinations of any of the above or any
other device capable of gathering the sheet of material to removably or
substantially permanently form a crimped portion and secure the crimped
portion formed in the sheet of material which may be secured about an
object such as the flower pot.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, a decorative wrapper 10 that is preformed is
constructed in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed
inventive concept(s). The decorative wrapper 10 has an upper end 12, a
lower end 14, and a sidewall 16 extending therebetween. The decorative
wrapper 10 has an opening at the upper end 12 and an opening at the lower
end 14. The open upper end 12 and open lower end 14 are provided with
linear edges 13 and 15, respectively. Although both the upper edge 13 and
the lower edge 15 are shown in FIG. 1 as being linear, it will be
understood that the upper and lower edges 13 and 15, respectively, may
have any non-linear pattern, such as but not by way of limitation,
geometric or non-geometric patterns, for example, curved, scalloped,
pointed, sine wave, arced, toothed, angular, crenellate, crenate,
crenulated, starred, or the upper and lower edges 13 and 15 may have a
combination of a linear and non-linear pattern or an irregular pattern.

[0049] The decorative wrapper 10 is initially formed in a flattened
condition and is openable therefrom. In one embodiment, the decorative
wrapper 10 is formed by using a pair of webs of material such as is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,798, issued to Weder et al., on Oct. 8,
1996, entitled "Apparatus for Forming Sleeves", the contents of which are
expressly incorporated herein by reference. In the flattened condition,
the decorative wrapper 10 has a first sidewall edge 17 and a second
sidewall edge 18. The sidewall edges 17 and 18 may extend angularly away
from the lower end 14 at any angle, or any combination of angles. In
particular, the sidewall edges 17 and 18 may extend away from the lower
end 14 between about 112.5 and about 135. It should also be understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art that the sidewall edges 17 and 18 may
have a linear or nonlinear pattern.

[0050] The decorative wrapper 10 can also be formed employing the method
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,521 entitled "Cover Forming Apparatus"
issued to Weder et al., on Mar. 29, 1988, which is expressly incorporated
herein by reference. Alternatively, the decorative wrapper 10 may be
formed by positioning a sheet of material between a female die and a male
die as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,182 entitled "Article Forming
System" issued to Weder et al., on Sep. 27, 1988, which is also hereby
incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] The decorative wrapper 10 may be constructed from any suitable
substantially flexible material that is capable of being formed into a
decorative wrapper 10. For example, the decorative wrapper 10 may be
constructed out of paper (untreated or treated in any manner),
cellophane, foil, polymer film, fabric (woven, unwoven, synthetic,
natural and combinations thereof), a material having an appearance or
texture simulating the appearance or texture of cloth, a material having
an appearance or texture simulating the appearance or texture of paper, a
matted material, and laminations or combinations thereof. Examples of a
material having an appearance or texture simulating the appearance or
texture of cloth are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,958, issued to
Weder on May 20, 2003, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,723,417, issued to Weder on
Apr. 20, 2004; examples of a material having an appearance or texture
simulating the appearance of paper are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,403,207, issued to Weder on Jun. 11, 2002, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,251,
issued to Weder on Apr. 2, 2002. Each of the above-referenced patents is
hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. When two or more
materials are utilized to construct the decorative wrapper 10, the two or
more materials may be fully connected, partially connected, or not
connected and simply layered together. When the two or more layers are
partially connected, the portion(s) of connection between the two or more
layers may be any shape, such as but not limited to, one or more spots
and one or more strips. When three or more layers of material are
utilized and the three layers are partially connected, the areas of
connection between a first and a second layer of material may be the same
as, overlap, or be different from, the areas of connection between the
second layer and a third layer of material.

[0052] The decorative wrapper 10 may assume any shape known in the art or
that may be desirable for placing about a flower pot or other container.
For example but not by way of limitation, the decorative wrapper 10 may
be tubular, non-tubular, conical, non-conical, or frusto-conical shaped.

[0053] The decorative wrapper 10 may further include designs or decorative
patterns which are printed, textured, colored, coated, finished, etched,
and/or embossed, and combinations thereof, on at least a portion thereof.
The decorative designs/patterns may be disposed on or visible through at
least a portion of the outer surface of the decorative wrapper 10.

[0054] In addition, the decorative wrapper 10 may have various colorings,
coatings, flockings, and/or metallic finishes, or other decorative
surface ornamentation applied separately or simultaneously to at least a
portion thereof. Alternatively, the decorative wrapper 10 may be
characterized totally or partially by pearlescent, translucent,
transparent, iridescent, or the like qualities. Each of the above-named
characteristics may occur alone or in combination, and each surface of
the decorative wrapper 10 may vary on the combination of such
characteristics.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, the decorative wrapper 10 is provided with an
inner surface 19 surrounding an inner retaining space 20 when disposed in
an open condition. A pot 22 is provided having an upper end 24, a lower
end 26, and an outer peripheral surface 28. An opening 30 intersects the
upper end 24, forming an inner peripheral surface 32. The decorative
wrapper 10 is positioned about the outer peripheral surface 28 of the pot
22. At least a portion of the inner surface 19 of the decorative wrapper
10 surrounds and engages a portion of the outer peripheral surface 28 of
the pot 22. At least a portion of the decorative wrapper 10 extends
beyond the upper end 24 of the pot 22. At least a portion of the lower
end 26 of the pot 22 extends through the open lower end 14 of the
decorative wrapper 10. The open lower end 14 of the decorative wrapper 10
may be disposed, for example, adjacent the upper one-half, one-third, or
one-fourth of the pot 22. The upper edge 13 of the decorative wrapper 10
is positioned a distance above the upper end 24 of the pot 22. The lower
edge 15 is positioned a distance below the upper end 24 of the pot 22.

[0056] The sidewall 16 of the decorative wrapper 10 may be contoured about
the outer peripheral surface 28 of the pot 22 so that a portion of the
decorative wrapper 10 is of a smaller diameter than that of the upper end
24 of the flower pot 22. This allows a portion of the decorative wrapper
10 to be tightly disposed about the outer peripheral surface 28 of the
pot 22 in such a manner as to secure the decorative wrapper 10 in a
position about the pot 22. Thus, the decorative wrapper 10 is positioned
above the upper end 24 of the flower pot 22 so as to prevent the
decorative wrapper 10 from falling off the flower pot 22.

[0057] In another embodiment, the sidewall 16 of the decorative wrapper 10
may also be provided with slits such that the decorative wrapper 10 is
disposed over the upper end 24 of the flower pot 22 and inward from the
upper end 24 of the flower pot 22, as described in more detail herein
below.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the decorative wrapper 10 may further be
secured to the pot 22 by a preformed flexible sleeve 40. The sleeve 40 is
provided having an initially flattened condition such as the sleeve
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,318,050, issued to Weder on Nov. 20, 2001,
entitled "Method of Attaching a Sleeve to a Pot", the specification of
which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. The sleeve 40
has an upper end 42, a lower end 44, an outer surface 46, an inner
surface 48, an inner space 50 and an upper opening 52 at the upper end 42
which is open to the inner space 50. When the sleeve 40 is opened to an
opened condition, the opened sleeve 40 is disposed over at least a
portion of the pot 22 and over at least a portion of the decorative
wrapper 10 surrounding the pot 22. The sleeve 40 crimpingly secures the
decorative wrapper 10 about the upper end 24 of the pot 22. It will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the decorative
wrapper 10 may be bondingly connected to the outer peripheral surface 28
of the pot 22 with a bonding material. The bonding material may be placed
on the outer peripheral surface 28 of the pot 22 or the inner surface 48
of the sleeve 40.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, another wrapper embodied by the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is designated therein by
reference numeral 10a. The decorative wrapper 10a has an open upper end
12a, an open lower end 14a, and a sidewall 16a extending therebetween.
The decorative wrapper 10a is essentially the same as decorative wrapper
10 except that the upper edge 13a has an angular pattern, and the
sidewall 16a is also provided with an angular pattern.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, another wrapper embodied by the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is designated therein by
reference numeral 10b. The decorative wrapper 10b has an open upper end
12b, an open lower end 14b, and a sidewall 16b extending therebetween.
The decorative wrapper 10b is similar to the decorative wrapper 10a
except that the upper edge 13b has a plurality of inserts or extensions
11b bondingly or otherwise connected to the upper edge 13b, such as with
a securing element or bonding material. In addition, the lower end 14b
has an inwardly curved lower edge 15b. While the decorative wrapper 10b
is illustrated as having a plurality of inserts or extensions 11b, it is
to be understood that the decorative wrappers disclosed and claimed
herein may only be provided with a single insert/extension, as described
in detail herein after with reference to FIG. 12. In addition, the
inserts/extensions 11b may be formed from the same or different types of
material as the decorative wrapper 10b, and may be provided with the same
or different (or none) decorative designs/patterns as the decorative
wrapper 10b. Further, the inserts/extensions 11b may be bondingly or
otherwise connected to the decorative wrapper 10b by any method disclosed
herein or known in the art, including but not limited to, the securing
elements disclosed herein. Examples of inserts/extensions that may be
utilized in accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive
concept(s) are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Numbers
U.S. 2005/0268549 A1, published Dec. 8, 2005; U.S. 2005/0166453 A1,
published Aug. 4, 2005; and U.S. 2005/0076566 A1, published Apr. 14,
2005; the contents of each of which are hereby expressly incorporated
herein by reference.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 5, another wrapper embodied by the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is designated therein by
reference numeral 10c. The decorative wrapper 10c has an open upper end
12c, an open lower end 14c, and a sidewall 16c extending therebetween.
The decorative wrapper 10c is similar to the decorative wrapper 10a
except that the upper edge 13c is nonlinear and the lower end 14c has an
inwardly curved lower edge 15c. In addition, the sidewall 16c has angular
tapered sidewall edges 17c and 18c.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 6, another wrapper embodied by the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is designated therein by
reference numeral 10d. The decorative wrapper 10d has an open upper end
12d, an open lower end 14d, and a sidewall 16d extending therebetween.
The decorative wrapper 10d is similar to the decorative wrapper 10c
except that a different configuration for the sidewall edges 17d and 18d
are shown.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 7, another wrapper embodied by the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is designated therein by
reference numeral 10e. The decorative wrapper 10e has an open upper end
12e, an open lower end 14e, and a sidewall 16e extending therebetween.
The decorative wrapper 10e is similar to the decorative wrapper 10d
except that the decorative wrapper 10e has an upper edge 13e that is
linear.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 8, another wrapper embodied by the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is designated therein by
reference numeral 10f. The decorative wrapper 10f has an open upper end
12f, an open lower end 14f, and a sidewall 16f extending therebetween.
The decorative wrapper 10f is similar to the decorative wrapper 10f
except that the decorative wrapper 10f has at least one slit 21f disposed
along the upper end 12f and extending into a portion of the preformed
decorative wrapper 10f. While the slit(s) 12f are illustrated as being
disposed along the upper end 12f of the decorative wrapper 10f, it is to
be understood that the slit(s) 12f may be disposed along the upper end
12f, the lower end 14f and/or the sidewall 16f. In addition, while the
slit(s) 21f are illustrated as being centrally disposed in FIG. 8, it is
to be understood that the slit(s) 211 may be disposed along any portion
of the upper end 121, the lower end 141 and/or the sidewall 16f of the
decorative wrapper 10f.

[0065] For example but not by way of limitation, another wrapper embodied
by the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is shown in
FIG. 9 and designated therein by reference numeral 10g. The decorative
wrapper 10g has an open upper end 12g, an open lower end 14g, and a
sidewall 16g extending therebetween. The decorative wrapper 10g is
similar to the decorative wrapper 101 except that the decorative wrapper
10f has at least one centrally disposed slit 21g positioned on opposite
ends 25g and 25g' of the sidewall 16g and extending therefrom.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 10, another wrapper embodied by the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is designated therein by
reference numeral 10h. The decorative wrapper 10h has an open upper end
12h, an open lower end 14h, and a sidewall 16h extending therebetween.
The decorative wrapper 10h is similar to the decorative wrapper 10a
except that another configuration for an upper edge 13h is illustrated.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 11, another wrapper embodied by the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is designated therein by
reference numeral 10i. The decorative wrapper 10i has an open upper end
12i, an open lower end 14i, and a sidewall 16i extending therebetween.
The sidewall edges 17i and 18i angle outwardly from the lower end 14i,
and a lower portion 53i of the decorative wrapper 10i is provided with a
half-hexagonal shape.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 12, another wrapper embodied by the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is designated therein by
reference numeral 10j. The decorative wrapper 10j has an open upper end
12j, an open lower end 14j, and a sidewall 16j extending therebetween.
The decorative wrapper 10j is similar to the decorative wrappers 10b and
10d except that at least one decorative extension 27j is bondingly
connected to a portion of the upper end 12j of the decorative wrapper 10j
with a bonding material. The decorative extension 27j is similar to the
extensions 11b described herein previously with reference to FIG. 4.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 13, another wrapper embodied by the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is designated therein by
reference numeral 10k. The decorative wrapper 10k has an open upper end
12k, an open lower end 14k, and a sidewall 16k extending therebetween.
The decorative wrapper 10k is similar to the decorative wrapper 10 except
that the decorative wrapper 10k has an upper edge 13k that has a
decorative scalloped pattern.

[0070] Shown in FIG. 14 is a decorative plant package comprising a
decorative wrapper 10m illustrated in the open condition. The decorative
wrapper 10m may have any of the configurations of the decorative wrappers
10-10k shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-13 and described herein above. The
decorative wrapper 10m has an open upper end 12m, an open lower end 14m,
and a sidewall 16m extending therebetween. The open upper end 12m and
open lower end 14m are shown having linear edges 13m and 15m,
respectively. The opened decorative wrapper 10m is provided with an inner
surface 19m surrounding an inner retaining space 20m. The decorative
plant package further comprises a pot 22m, which has an upper end 24m, a
lower end 26m, and an outer peripheral surface 28m. An opening 30m
intersects the upper end 24m of the pot 22m, forming an inner peripheral
surface 32m. The decorative wrapper 10m is positioned about the outer
peripheral surface 28m substantially adjacent the upper end 24m of the
pot 22m. At least a portion of the inner surface 19m of the decorative
wrapper 10m surrounds and engages a portion of the outer peripheral
surface 28m of the pot 22m. At least a portion of the decorative wrapper
10m extends beyond the upper end 24m of the pot 22m, and the lower end
26m of the pot 22m extends through the open lower end 14m of the
decorative wrapper 10m.

[0071] The decorative plant package further comprises a second pot or
preformed decorative cover 60, which has an upper end 62, a lower end 64,
and an outer peripheral surface 66. An opening 68 intersects the upper
end 62, forming an inner peripheral surface 70. The second pot/preformed
decorative cover 60 is positioned over at least a portion of the pot 22m
and over at least a portion of the decorative wrapper 10m. At least a
portion of the second pot/preformed decorative cover 60 surrounds the
lower end 14m of the decorative wrapper 10m. The second pot/preformed
decorative cover 60 may be formed of a flexible or rigid,
shape-sustaining material. In one embodiment, the second pot/preformed
decorative cover 60 may be an overpot.

[0072] FIG. 14 depicts the second pot/preformed decorative cover 60 as
having a securing element 72, such as a bonding material, disposed on at
least a portion of the inner peripheral surface 70 thereof. More
particularly, the securing element 72 is depicted as being disposed on
the inner peripheral surface 70 of the second pot/preformed decorative
cover 60 near the upper end 62 thereof. The second pot/preformed
decorative cover 60 secures the decorative wrapper 10m about the pot 22m.
While FIG. 14 depicts the second pot/preformed decorative cover 60 as
having a securing element 72 disposed thereon, it is to be understood
that the securing element 72 may be disposed on the decorative wrapper
10m, or the pot 22m, or any combination of the decorative wrapper 10m,
the pot 22m and the second pot/preformed decorative cover 60. In
addition, no securing element may be utilized, and the second
pot/preformed decorative cover 60 may simply maintain the decorative
wrapper 10m in a secured position about the pot 22m.

[0073] Alternatively, the preformed decorative wrappers of the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) may be held in place about a
pot without the use of a sleeve, second pot or preformed decorative
cover. FIG. 15 illustrates a decorative plant package comprising a
decorative wrapper 10n that is in the open condition and secured to a
flower pot 22n with a securing element 80, such as a band. The securing
element 80 can be applied manually or automatically such as by the method
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,599, entitled "Means for Securing a
Decorative Cover About a Flower Pot", issued to Weder on Apr. 21, 1983,
which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. The securing
element 80 can also be applied as a tie using a method such as described
in "Single Station Covering and Fastening System", U.S. Pat. No.
5,609,009, issued to Weder et al. on Mar. 11, 1997, the specification of
which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] Any of the decorative wrappers described herein can also be applied
automatically about the flower pot 22n, for example, by methods shown in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,521 entitled "Cover Forming Apparatus", issued to
Weder et al. on Mar. 29, 1988, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,291,721, entitled
"Cover Forming Apparatus Having Voting Forming Members", issued to Weder
et al. on Mar. 8, 1994, both of which are hereby expressly incorporated
herein by reference.

[0075] The decorative wrapper 10n may have any of the configurations of
wrappers 10-10k shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-13 and described herein above. The
decorative wrapper 10n has an open upper end 12n, an open lower end 14n,
and a sidewall 16n extending therebetween. The open upper end 12n and
open lower end 14n are illustrated in FIG. 15 as having linear edges 13n
and 15n, respectively. The opened decorative wrapper 10n is provided with
an inner surface 19n surrounding an inner retaining space 20n. A pot 22n
is provided having an upper end 24n, a lower end 26n, and an outer
peripheral surface 28n. An opening 30n intersects the upper end 24n,
forming an inner peripheral surface 32n. The decorative wrapper 10n is
positioned about the outer peripheral surface 28n of the upper end 24n of
the pot 22n. At least a portion of the inner surface 19n of the
decorative wrapper 10n surrounds and engages a portion of the outer
peripheral surface 28n of the pot 22n. At least a portion of the
decorative wrapper 10n extends beyond the upper end 24n of the pot 22n
and at least a portion of the lower end 26n of the pot 22n extends
through the open lower end 14n of the decorative wrapper 10n.

[0076] The securing element 80 preferably is constructed of any material
capable of being wrapped about a portion of the decorative wrapper 10n in
the manner described herein. Preferably the securing element 80 is
constructed of a material selected from a group of materials consisting
of elastic, non-elastic, rubber, paper, metal foil, cloth (natural or
synthetic), denim, burlap, polymer film or cling material or combinations
thereof. The securing element 80 has an upper surface 82 and a lower
surface 84. A securing element 80 may further include a bonding material
disposed on at least a portion thereof, such as the upper surface 82, or
the securing element 80 may be free of bonding material.

[0077] With the opened decorative wrapper 10n positioned about the outer
peripheral surface 28n of the flower pot 22n, the securing element 80 is
applied over a portion of the decorative wrapper 10n, such as but not
limited to, a portion near or adjacent to the open lower end 14n of the
decorative wrapper 10n. The securing element 80 surrounds a portion of
the decorative wrapper 10n and secures the decorative wrapper 10n about
the pot 22n, thereby forming a crimped portion 86 in the decorative
wrapper 10n. Preferably, the securing element 80 is placed about the
decorative wrapper 10 in a position where the crimped portion 86 is
formed and positioned below the upper end 24n of the flower pot 22n with
the crimped portion 86 extending circumferentially about the upper end
24n of the flower pot 22n.

[0078] Shown in FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a decorative plant
package comprising a decorative wrapper 10p secured to a flower pot 22p
with a second pot or preformed decorative cover 60p. The decorative
wrapper 10p may have any of the configurations of wrappers 10-10k shown
in FIGS. 1 and 3-13 and described herein above. The decorative wrapper
10p has an open upper end 12p having an upper edge 13p, an open lower end
14p having a lower edge 15p, and a sidewall 16p extending therebetween.
The opened decorative wrapper 10p is provided with an inner surface 19p
surrounding an inner retaining space 20p. The pot 22p is provided having
an upper end 24p, a lower end 26p, and an outer peripheral surface 28p.
An opening 30p intersects the upper end 24p, forming an inner peripheral
surface 32p. The decorative wrapper 10p is positioned about the outer
peripheral surface 28p of the upper end 24p of the pot 22p. At least a
portion of the inner surface 19p of the decorative wrapper 10p surrounds
and engages a portion of the outer peripheral surface 28p of the pot 22p.
At least a portion of the decorative wrapper 10p extends beyond the upper
end 24p of the pot 22p and at least a portion of the lower end 26p of the
pot 22p extends through the open lower end 14p of the decorative wrapper
10p.

[0079] The second pot/preformed decorative cover 60p is provided having an
upper end 62p, a lower end 64p, and an outer peripheral surface 66p. An
opening 68p intersects the upper end 62p, forming an inner peripheral
surface 70p. The second pot/preformed decorative cover 60p is positioned
over at least a portion of the pot 22p and over at least a portion of the
decorative wrapper 10p. At least a portion of the second pot/preformed
decorative cover 60p surrounds the lower end 14p of the decorative
wrapper 10p. The second pot/preformed decorative cover 60p surrounds the
open lower end 14p of the decorative wrapper 10p, thereby securing the
decorative wrapper 10p about the pot 22p and forming a crimped portion
86p. The crimped portion 86p extends circumferentially about a portion of
the flower pot 22p. The second pot/preformed decorative cover 60p secures
the decorative wrapper 10p about the pot 22p.

[0080] Referring now to FIG. 17, a decorative plant package is
illustrated. The decorative plant package comprises an opened decorative
wrapper 10q secured to a flower pot 22q with a wrapping material 90 such
as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,345,745, issued to Weder on Sep. 13,
1994, the specification of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein
by reference. The decorative wrapper 10q may have any of the
configurations of wrappers 10-10k shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-13 and described
herein above. The decorative wrapper 10q has an open upper end 12q having
an upper edge 13q, an open lower end 14q having a lower end 15q, and a
sidewall 16q extending therebetween. The opened decorative wrapper 10q is
provided with an inner surface 19q surrounding an inner retaining space
20q. The pot 22q is provided having an upper end 24q, a lower end 26q,
and an outer peripheral surface 28q. An opening 30q intersects the upper
end 24q, forming an inner peripheral surface 32q. The decorative wrapper
10q is positioned about the outer peripheral surface 28q of the pot 22q.
At least a portion of the inner surface 19q of the decorative wrapper 10q
surrounds and engages a portion of the outer peripheral surface 28q of
the pot 22q. At least a portion of the decorative wrapper 10q extends
beyond the upper end 24q of the pot 22q and at least a portion of the
lower end 26q of the pot 22q extends through the open lower end 14q of
the decorative wrapper 10q.

[0081] The wrapping material 90 has an upper surface 92 and a lower
surface (not shown). The wrapping material may be provided with a bonding
material on a portion of the lower surface of the wrapping material 90.
After positioning the decorative wrapper 10q about the flower pot 22q,
the wrapping material 90 is wrapped about at least a portion of the outer
peripheral surface 28q of the flower pot 22q and a portion of the
decorative wrapper 10q. The wrapping material 90 is connected to the
outer peripheral surface 28q of the flower pot 22q. A portion of the
wrapping material 90 extends over the decorative wrapper 10q thus
securing the decorative wrapper 10q to the flower pot 22q.

[0082] FIG. 18 depicts a decorative plant package that includes an opened
decorative wrapper 10r secured to a flower pot 22r with a second
pot/preformed decorative cover 60r in a similar manner as shown in FIG.
14, except that the opened decorative wrapper 10r includes a decorative
pattern 110 printed thereon or visible therethrough such as described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,480, issued to Weder on Feb. 19, 2002, the
specification of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by
reference.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 19, an opened decorative wrapper 10s is secured
to a flower pot 22s with a second pot/preformed decorative cover 60s in a
similar manner as shown in FIG. 18, except that the opened decorative
wrapper 10s has an upper edge 13s that has a decorative scalloped
pattern.

[0084] FIG. 20 illustrates a decorative plant package comprising an opened
decorative wrapper 10t, a flower pot 22t and a second pot/preformed
decorative cover 60t. The decorative wrapper 10t is secured to the flower
pot 22t with the second pot/preformed decorative cover 60t in a similar
manner as shown in FIG. 14. The flower pot 22t is provided with a floral
grouping 23 disposed therein. The decorative wrapper 10t is demarcated
into an upper portion 120 and a lower portion 122. The upper portion 120
may function to protect the floral grouping 23, and thus the upper
portion 120 of the decorative wrapper 10t may be sized to substantially
surround and encompass the floral grouping 23t disposed in the pot 22t.
The upper portion 120 of the decorative wrapper 10t may be tapered or may
assume any desired shape disclosed herein or known in the art.

[0085] The decorative wrapper 10 is demarcated into the upper portion 120
and the lower portion 122 by a detaching element 124, which enables the
detachment of the upper portion 120 of the decorative wrapper 10t from
the lower portion 122 of the decorative wrapper 10t. The term "detaching
element", as used generally herein, means any element or combination of
elements or features which enable the tearing away or detachment of one
object from another, such as, but not by way of limitation, perforations,
tear strips, zippers, and any other devices or elements of this nature
known in the art, or any combination thereof. Therefore, while
perforations are shown and described in detail herein, it will be
understood that tear strips, zippers, or any other "detaching elements"
known in the art, or any combination thereof, could be substituted
therefore and/or used therewith.

[0086] In addition, while the detaching element 124 is depicted as being
linear, it is to be understood that the detaching element 124 may assume
any configuration described or depicted herein or known in the art.

[0087] While the decorative wrapper 10t is depicted as being secured to
the pot 22t via the second pot/preformed decorative cover 60t, it is to
be understood that the decorative wrapper 10t may be secured to the pot
22t by any securing method and/or securing element described or depicted
herein or known in the art.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a decorative wrapper 10u is shown
secured to a flower pot 22u with a second pot/preformed decorative cover
60u. The flower pot 22u has a floral grouping 23u disposed therein. The
decorative wrapper 10u may have any of the configurations of wrappers
10-10k shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-13 and described herein above. The
decorative wrapper 10u is demarcated into an upper portion 120u and a
lower portion 122u by a detaching element 126. The detaching element 126
is illustrated as being a nonlinear patterned perforation. As shown in
FIG. 22, the upper portion 122u is detached from the lower potion 122u
such that the lower portion 122u is provided with an upper edge 13u that
has a nonlinear pattern.

[0089] Shown in FIG. 23 is a decorative plant package comprising an opened
decorative wrapper 10v secured to a flower pot 22v with a second
pot/preformed decorative cover 60v in a manner similar to that described
herein previously. The decorative wrapper 10v has an open upper end 12v,
an open lower end 14v, and a sidewall 16v extending therebetween. The
open upper end 12v and open lower end 14v are shown having linear edges
13v and 15v, respectively. However, it should be understood that the
upper edge 13v and the lower edge 15v may have a nonlinear pattern. The
sidewall 16v is nonlinear such that the opened decorative wrapper 10v has
a non-tubular, non-conical shape.

[0090] Shown in FIG. 24 is a decorative plant package comprising an opened
decorative wrapper 10w secured to a flower pot 22w with a securing
element 80w in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 15. The decorative
wrapper 10w is depicted as having an upper edge 13w that is angularly
patterned.

[0091] Shown in FIG. 25 is a decorative plant package comprising an opened
decorative wrapper 10x secured to a flower pot 22x with a second
pot/preformed decorative cover 60x in a similar manner as shown in FIG.
14. The decorative wrapper 10x is depicted as having an angularly
patterned upper edge 13x.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 26, a decorative plant package shown therein
comprises an opened decorative wrapper 10y secured to a flower pot 22y
with a flexible sleeve 40y in a similar manner as shown in FIG. 2. The
decorative wrapper 10y is depicted as having an angularly patterned upper
edge 13y.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 27, shown therein is a decorative plant package
comprising an opened decorative wrapper 10z secured to a flower pot 22z
with a securing element 80z. The decorative wrapper 10z has an upper end
12z, a lower end 14z, and an inner surface 19z. The decorative wrapper
10z is provided with an extension 120 attached thereto. The extension 120
is preferably laminated to the decorative wrapper 10z via a heat seal or
an adhesive seal, but it will be understood that the extension 120 can be
attached to the decorative wrapper 10z via any attaching, connecting, or
lamination method known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The
extension 120 has an upper end 122 and a lower end 124. The upper end 122
of the extension 120 may be positioned above, below, or substantially
adjacent with the upper end 12z of the decorative wrapper 10z.

[0094] In addition, while the lower end 124 of the extension 120 is
depicted as being above the lower end 14z of the decorative wrapper 10z,
it is to be understood that the lower ends 14z and 124 may be
substantially adjacent. Also, it is to be understood that while FIG. 27
has been described herein as illustrating a wrapper with an extension, it
is to be understood that such figure will also be understood to similarly
depict a decorative plant package that comprises two wrappers that may be
attached or unattached. In one embodiment, an upper and/or lower end of
one of the two wrappers may extend beyond the other (as similarly shown
in FIG. 27); alternatively, the upper ends of the two wrappers may be
substantially adjacent or flush and the lower ends of the two wrappers
may also be substantially adjacent/flush.

[0095]FIG. 28 depicts a decorative plant package comprising a wrapper
10z' formed of two layers of material 126 and 128. The preformed
decorative wrapper 10z' is secured to a flower pot 22z' containing a
floral grouping 23z' with a second pot/preformed decorative cover 60z' as
described herein previously.

[0096] FIG. 29 depicts a decorative plant package comprising the
decorative wrapper 10z' formed of the two layers 126 and 128 and secured
to the flower pot 22z' containing a floral grouping 23z' with a flexible
sleeve 40z' as described herein previously.

[0097] FIG. 30 depicts a method of forming decorative plant packages of
the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s), the method
utilizing a plurality of wrappers 10aa. The plurality of wrappers 10aa
are stacked one on top of the other to form a pad 130aa. However, it
should be understood that the plurality of wrappers 10aa may also take
the form of a roll, as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,459,976, issued to
Weder et al., on Oct. 24, 1995, entitled "Material and Adhesive Strip
Dispenser", the specification of which is hereby expressly incorporated
in its entirety herein by reference. Each decorative wrapper 10aa of the
pad or roll of wrappers may be connected or unconnected to the pad or
roll. Preferably, each of the preformed decorative wrappers 10aa is
releasably connected to each adjacent wrapper 10aa to form the pad 130aa.
This allows each wrapper 10aa to be releasably disconnected from another
wrapper 10aa by pulling the preformed decorative wrappers 10aa apart.

[0098] At least one of the plurality of wrappers 10aa is removed from the
pad 130aa to provide a decorative wrapper 10aa having an open upper end
12aa, an open lower end 14aa, and a sidewall 16aa extending therebetween.
The decorative wrapper 10aa is provided with an inner surface 19aa which
surrounds an inner retaining space 20aa when disposed in an open
condition.

[0099] A header 132aa is detachably connected to the upper end 12aa of
each decorative wrapper 10aa. The header 132aa is preferably provided
with a support means, such as a plurality of spaced apart holes 134aa,
for allowing support of the preformed decorative wrappers 10aa from an
extension member 140aa. A detaching element 136aa, such as a line of
perforations, is provided for separating the header 132aa and the
decorative wrapper 10aa so that the decorative wrapper 10aa can be
readily detached from the header 132aa and positioned about a flower pot
22aa.

[0100] A portable extension member 140aa is provided with at least one
hook 142aa extending from the portable extension member 140aa. While the
portable extension member 140aa is depicted as having a plurality of
spatially disposed hooks 142aa, it is to be understood that the portable
extension member 140aa may only be provided with a single hook 142aa or
three or more hooks 142aa. The selection of the number and disposition of
the hook(s) 142aa is within the skill of a person in the art and is
therefore fully within the scope of the presently disclosed and claimed
inventive concept(s). The portable extension member 140aa may be capable
of being secured to a person by straps (not shown). It should be
understood that other means can be utilized for connecting the portable
extension member to a person, such as a belt, strap, a clip, or a prong.
The hooks 142aa are connected to the portable extension member 140aa such
that the pad or plurality of wrappers 10aa can be supported on the
portable extension member 140aa. While hooks have been shown for
supporting a plurality of wrappers or sleeves, any suitable support may
be used, including, but not limited to clips, wickets, staples, or
straps. The portable extension member 140aa may also be provided with a
plurality of apertures (not shown) extending vertically along the
extension member to support the hooks so as to accommodate varying sizes
of wrappers or sleeves. However, it should be understood that any such
device may be used that provides support for a plurality of wrappers in
accordance with the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s).
The hooks 142aa are adapted to be disposed through the holes 134aa
provided in the header 132aa so that the hook 142aa holds the preformed
decorative wrappers 10aa in a stable position. At least one of the
preformed decorative wrappers 10aa may be partially or completely removed
from the hooks 142aa to place the decorative wrapper 10aa in an opened
condition. The decorative wrapper 10aa is placed about an outer
peripheral surface 28aa of the pot 22aa. At least a portion of the inner
surface 19aa of the decorative wrapper 10aa surrounds and engages a
portion of the outer peripheral surface 28a of the pot 22aa. A portion of
the decorative wrapper 10aa extends beyond an upper end 24aa of the pot
22aa. At least a portion of the lower end 26aa of the pot 22aa extends
through the open lower end 14aa of the decorative wrapper 10aa.

[0101] The decorative wrapper 10aa may be secured to the pot 22aa by any
of the methods described herein. In one embodiment, the decorative
wrapper 10aa is secured to the pot 22a with a sleeve 40aa, as shown in
the method of FIG. 30. Also, it will be understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art that the decorative wrapper 10aa may be bondingly
connected to the outer peripheral surface 28aa of the pot 22aa with a
securing element. The securing element may be placed on the outer
peripheral surface 28aa of the pot 22aa and/or the inner surface 48aa of
the sleeve 40aa.

[0102] In FIG. 30, a plurality of sleeves 40aa are shown stacked one on
top of the other to form a pad 144aa. Each of the sleeves 40aa has an
upper end 42aa, a lower end 44aa, an outer surface 46aa, an inner surface
48aa, an inner space 50aa, and an upper opening 52aa at the upper end
42aa which is open to the inner space 50aa.

[0103] A header 150aa is detachably connected to the upper end 42aa of
each sleeve 40aa in a similar manner as described herein previously in
that the header 150aa is provided with a support element, such as a
plurality of spaced apart holes 152aa. A detaching element 154aa, such as
but not limited to a line of perforations, is also provided for
separating the header 150aa and the sleeve 40aa so that the sleeve 40aa
can be readily detached from the header 150aa and positioned about the
decorative wrapper 10aa and the flower pot 22aa.

[0104] The pad 144aa of sleeves 40aa is shown as disposed on a portable
extension member 156aa similar to the portable extension member 140aa and
having at least one hook 158aa extending therefrom. While two spatially
disposed hooks 158aa are shown in FIG. 30, it is to be understood that
the portable extension member 156aa may be provided with a single hook
158aa, or three or more spatially disposed hooks 158aa. It should be
understood that any such device may be used that provides support for the
plurality of sleeves. The hook(s) 158aa are adapted to be disposed
through the holes 152aa provided in the header 150aa so that the hook(s)
158aa hold the sleeves 40aa in a stable position. Each sleeve 40aa of the
pad 144aa or roll of sleeves may be releasably connected to each adjacent
sleeve. This allows each sleeve 40aa to be releasably disconnected from
another sleeve 40aa by pulling the sleeves 40aa apart. The sleeve 40aa is
detached from the header 150aa and disposed about at least a portion of
the pot 22a and over at least a portion of the decorative wrapper 10aa
surrounding the pot 10aa. The sleeve 40aa secures the decorative wrapper
10aa about the pot 22aa.

[0105] From the above description, it is clear that the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is well-adapted to carry out
the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as
those inherent in the presently disclosed and claimed inventive
concept(s). While a presently preferred embodiment of the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) has been described, for
purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes
may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the
art and which are accomplished within the spirit of the presently
disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) disclosed and as defined in
the appended claims.